What is the meaning of Romans 3:18? There is Paul begins with a fact, not an opinion: “There is.” The phrase sounds almost like a courtroom verdict, declaring the condition of the unredeemed human heart. • Scripture consistently states this reality; see Psalm 14:3, “All have turned away…” • Romans 3:10–11, leading up to this verse, piles up similar declarations: “There is no one righteous… there is no one who seeks God.” Here, the apostle is underscoring the universality of sin. No class, culture, or era escapes the charge. no fear The core issue is not ignorance but absence of reverence. Fear in biblical terms is a wholesome awe that moves a person to obey and worship. • Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Exodus 20:20 shows fear’s positive role: it keeps people from sinning. • When that fear evaporates, moral brakes fail (Judges 17:6). Sin flourishes when God’s awe is replaced by self-sufficiency or indifference. of God This fear is directed toward the living, holy God—His character, His authority, His coming judgment. • Hebrews 10:31 reminds us, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Jesus warns in Matthew 10:28 to fear Him “who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” • Psalm 33:8 calls all the earth to “fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” Without acknowledging who God is, fear degenerates into mere fright or is dismissed altogether. before their eyes The problem is perception. People see but do not see; God’s presence is not in their field of vision. • 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of minds blinded by the god of this age. • Isaiah 64:7 laments, “No one… stirs himself to lay hold of You; for You have hidden Your face from us.” • Romans 1:21 notes, “Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him… but their thinking became futile.” When God is not “before the eyes,” choices follow suit—leading to unchecked sin. summary Romans 3:18 caps Paul’s indictment by exposing the root of human rebellion: a life emptied of reverent awe for a holy God. Where that awe is absent, sin reigns, perception darkens, and judgment looms. The gospel’s hope is to restore true fear—and joyful worship—by revealing God through Christ, turning blind eyes to see and hearts to bow. |
    |